Noel L. Hillman is a retired United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, where he served from 2006 until taking senior status in 2021. Appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate, he brought extensive experience from his over 20-year career as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey. Hillman specialized in national security and terrorism cases, most notably leading the prosecution of Omar Abdel-Rahman (the 'Blind Sheikh'), convicted in 1995 for seditious conspiracy related to plots including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. His prosecutorial work also encompassed organized crime, public corruption, and violent crime, earning him a reputation for handling complex, high-stakes litigation.

Prior to his legal career, Hillman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974 and Columbia Law School in 1977, where he was involved in student activities and moot court. After a brief stint in private practice, he joined the federal prosecutor's office in 1984, rising to supervisory roles such as Chief of the Terrorism Unit. On the bench, he presided over a wide range of civil and criminal cases, including those involving intellectual property, employment disputes, and federal crimes. Post-retirement, Hillman has engaged in legal consulting, teaching, and arbitration, continuing to influence the judiciary through his expertise in national security law.

Throughout his career, Hillman has been recognized for his contributions to public service, receiving awards from the Department of Justice for his role in counterterrorism efforts. His work underscores a commitment to upholding national security while navigating the intricacies of federal law.